With the NHL playoffs well underway, the Minnesota Wild are sitting on the sidelines, having failed to make the playoffs (they lost in the play-in). While sports betting companies, sports bettors, and hockey fans are looking forward to the Stanley Cup Final later this month, Dumba’s focus has been on addressing issues related to systemic racismracism in America and the NHL.

What makes Dumba uniquely qualified to speak up about racismis his position as one of the few minority playersin the NHL.It is hard to imagine how difficult it must be to be a minority player in a predominately white league.

Currently,Dumba residesin Minnesota, a city that has been dealing with its share of racial issues. No longer satisfied to sit by and watch tragedies like the killing of George Floyd happen in the city where he lives and plays, he recently made the decision to devote more time reaching out to the local community.

In line with his desire to do more to promote racial equality in the NHL, Dumba recently founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance with the help of retired and current NHL players. By starting the group, he set himself up to be the voice of minority athletesin the U.S..

One thing that is clear about this 26 year old man of Filipino/Canadian heritage, he carries the banner of equality for all minorities in the league proudly.

With his new leadership role as part of the Alliance, Dumba was asked to give ananti-racism speechat one of the games prior to the start of the NHL playoffs. After giving his speech in front of the players on the ice,he proceeded to become the first NHL player to officially take a knee during the playing of the National Anthem.

Based his efforts as a community leader, the NHLhas announced that Dumbawill be this year’s recipient of the league's prestigious King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to players who distinguish themselves as community leaders and humanitarians both on and off the ice.

Regarding his efforts as part of the Hockey Diversity Alliance group, Dumbasenses things may be changing for the better. In a recent interview where he talked about the league’s efforts, he stated:

''On a leaguewide scale, I think that's in the works. I don't want any of this to get swept under the rug. This for me is not just a singular moment. It's all part of this journey that I'm committed to. I think I'm going to be committed to this my whole life.''

He later added: ''I spend hours and hours each week on calls with the Hockey Diversity Alliance and talking about these issues. I'm so happy (about) the position we're in and we're taking the steps moving forward to making hockey even better than it is now.''

As winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, Dumba will be receiving $25,000 he can use as a donation to a charity of his choosing.